Former UF tennis coach dies at 79

Published: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 2:44 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 2:44 p.m.

Longtime Florida men's tennis coach M.B. Chafin died Wednesday after battling pulmonary fibrosis, his wife said on Thursday. He was 79.

Chafin was the Gators' coach for seven years (1978-84) after serving as an assistant for 12 years under coach Bill Potter.

In Chafin's seven years at the helm, Florida compiled a 128-55-1 (.698) overall record and he was named the SEC Coach of the Year in 1984. After his retirement as head coach, Chafin continued his involvement with the Gator tennis program. He was the original founder of the annual Gator summer youth tennis camps and oversaw the program for many years.

Chafin also served as UF's Director of Recreational Sports Program until 2001.

<p>Longtime Florida men's tennis coach M.B. Chafin died Wednesday after battling pulmonary fibrosis, his wife said on Thursday. He was 79.</p><p>Chafin was the Gators' coach for seven years (1978-84) after serving as an assistant for 12 years under coach Bill Potter.</p><p>In Chafin's seven years at the helm, Florida compiled a 128-55-1 (.698) overall record and he was named the SEC Coach of the Year in 1984. After his retirement as head coach, Chafin continued his involvement with the Gator tennis program. He was the original founder of the annual Gator summer youth tennis camps and oversaw the program for many years.</p><p>Chafin also served as UF's Director of Recreational Sports Program until 2001.</p>